WD-40 to the Rescue. Again.

[ritcheyvs]

I went to start the DK45s today and ... nothing: no dash lights, no clicks, etc. The tractor had been sitting under a lean-to for a couple weeks and the battery was old. But I expected something. After cycling the key a few times the dash lights started working and I eventually got it started. But restarts still took several tries.
So I squirted WD-40 in the key hole, cycled the switch several times, sprayed in some contact cleaner, and cycled the switch more times. After that the switch worked like new (until next time). I have a spare switch and I have disassembled and cleaned this switch but spraying is way faster and seems to work about as well. I need to remember to give a shot in the keyhole routinely, like every time I grease.

 

[ritcheyvs]

My key switch acted up again today. The engine wouldn't crank at all but sometimes it kicked just as I released the switch from the spring-loaded crank position. I used CRC contact cleaner this time (vs WD40) and the switch became 100% functional again ... until next time. You need to use the "straw" to get the stuff deep on the keyhole but it works like magic and way easier and cheaper than replacing the switch (or even disassembling and cleaning it)

 

[EddieWalker]

Glad the WD40 worked for you. Somebody on here recommended Fluid Film a few years ago, so I gave it a try. It's night and day better then WD40, or any other fluid at lubricating and penetrating rust. The smell is kind of distinct. Not sure if it's bad, or just unique, but that doesn't matter because of how good it works. I still keep a can of WD40 in my truck because it's a great glue remover. I haven't found anything that cleans up what a sticker leaves behind then WD40, but that's all I use it for now.

 

[ray66v]

I haven't found anything that cleans up what a sticker leaves behind then WD40, but that's all I use it for now.

WD40 works on adhesive, because it's mostly solvent. Solvents evaporate, that's why it's not lasting lubricant.

Goo Gone works well on sticker adhesive. It's less expensive, and doesn't have the odor.

 

[atsah]

Yup Goo Gone works for me also..

 

[fried1765]

WD40 works on adhesive, because it's mostly solvent. Solvents evaporate, that's why it's not lasting lubricant.

Goo Gone works well on sticker adhesive. It's less expensive, and doesn't have the odor.

If it is something on a painted surface, paint thinner is the cheapest, and works great.
If it is on a NON painted surface, lacquer thinner is quick, and works great.

 

[NPRECON]

I'm sold on Fluid Film as well. Beyond its penetrating properties, it's a damned good rust prohibiter as well. I've used it to line the inside of my Jeep frame rails and on my Dodge truck. I even had a large drop of it fall right back into my right eye. Yes, I had my protective glasses... laying on the ground right next to me... for all the good that did not having them on my face. I got out from under the truck, wiped off the excess from around my eye, blinked a couple times and then kept working. I don't think I could say the same if I had been using PB Blaster or some other chemical fluid dripping into my bare eye. You can get a bit nauseous from inhaling the vapors IF using it for prolonged periods of time though. At least that is how it affects me.

 

[cqaigy2]

Ya, PB Blaster doesn't taste very good either.